got step 1 score. what should i be ruling out?

[bmw89]

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1st post here, not sure where I should be posting it though so I'm posting here.

Took my test a month ago and got the score yesterday. 238/99. I'm just starting my 3rd yr rotations (almost half way through surgery). I did crappy 1st year (low ~15th percentile). Learned to study and did top ~75th %ile 2nd year though.

Just want to ask a simple question on what to rule out of this list, and which one I have my best chances with:

Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Radiology
Dermatology


Appreciate it a lot. I've been on/off lurking here since pre-med and have learned a lot. Thanks in advance!

 

[Elbowstoopointy]

1st post here, not sure where I should be posting it though so I'm posting here.

Took my test a month ago and got the score yesterday. 238/99. I'm just starting my 3rd yr rotations (almost half way through surgery). I did crappy 1st year (low ~15th percentile). Learned to study and did top ~75th %ile 2nd year though.

Just want to ask a simple question on what to rule out of this list, and which one I have my best chances with:

Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Radiology
Dermatology


Appreciate it a lot. I've been on/off lurking here since pre-med and have learned a lot. Thanks in advance!

The only thing you *maybe* need to rule out is derm...I would cry tears of joy if I got a 238

 

[shadowfox87]

Haha, all your choices are ROAD. I agree with what the above guy says, most likely only Derm to rule out, but I think you still have a good chance with LORs and research.

 

[J ROD]

Best chances on the ROAD

Anes
Rads
Optho
Derm

Only r/o derm and optho is right there either way probably will need some kickers......

 

[Bartelby]

If you check the NRMP data (http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2009v3.pdf, see page 9) a 238 is not too far from the average even for derm (low 240s). I don't think that score rules out any specialty for you. If you want a derm spot though you probably need excellent clerkship grades, a solid step 2, great recs, and some research before you apply.

 

[CptCrunch]

I wouldn't rule out any of those. Need to kick ass 3rd year + specialty-related research for derm or ophtho. Agree with J DUB, best chances are anesthesia, rads, ophtho, and derm in that order.

 

[DoctwoB]

1st post here, not sure where I should be posting it though so I'm posting here.

Took my test a month ago and got the score yesterday. 238/99. I'm just starting my 3rd yr rotations (almost half way through surgery). I did crappy 1st year (low ~15th percentile). Learned to study and did top ~75th %ile 2nd year though.

Just want to ask a simple question on what to rule out of this list, and which one I have my best chances with:

Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Radiology
Dermatology


Appreciate it a lot. I've been on/off lurking here since pre-med and have learned a lot. Thanks in advance!

Same sentiment as others. You're well above average for Gas, about average for Rads and Ophtho, and slightly below avg for Derm. You don't have to rule out any of those. If you do want derm/rads/ophtho though, know that your step 1 is more then good enough, but you still need to have a strong application across the board (3rd year grades especially, research as a plus).

 

[J ROD]

yeah, r/o derm is a bit over the top....what i was trying to get at is that your chances are below average.

for derm, you almost have to be perfect to get it or have some connections.

 

[OpalOnyx]

GOOD JOB! You really stepped it up 2nd year and for boards. I think 238 is a great score and certainly nothing is ruled out. You could always do an extra year of research after 3rd year if you end up liking something super-competitive.

 

[Elbowstoopointy]

Bro with a 238 you just lost your chances and Peds and Family Med....

 

[werd]

don't rule out any specialties based on that board score. derm, plastics, whatever - you are at least in the game for anything.

 

[Siverhideo1985]

1st post here, not sure where I should be posting it though so I'm posting here.

Took my test a month ago and got the score yesterday. 238/99. I'm just starting my 3rd yr rotations (almost half way through surgery). I did crappy 1st year (low ~15th percentile). Learned to study and did top ~75th %ile 2nd year though.

Just want to ask a simple question on what to rule out of this list, and which one I have my best chances with:

Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Radiology
Dermatology


Appreciate it a lot. I've been on/off lurking here since pre-med and have learned a lot. Thanks in advance!

Please, please do not get this kind of advise on SDN....99.99999% of the responses will be based on anecdotal evidence or resources that you yourself have access to (i.e. average step 1 score of people matching into a certain speciality).

Simply speaking: your score is within the average ranges for any speciality you mention, in some you are on the lower side, in others you're right in the middle or more than sufficient.

Talk to the people that have been dealing with exactly this kind of question because it is their job - the deans at your school. They probably have years of experience with students and how to get them into the speciality that they want. Also, talking to people in the fields that you are interested in (and I am talking about docs such as the residency program directors of these specialities in your area) will provide a wealth of information.

Good Luck! 🙂

 

[ChiDO]

Do whatever you want; that would be my advice with a 211 or 238, people match all specialties with all scores; yes some journeys are harder then others, but anything is possible with the match.

 

[TexasPhysician]

238 rules out nothing. That score is good enough for any field. What do you enjoy most?

 

[High Roller]

238 rules out nothing. That score is good enough for any field. What do you enjoy most?

This. A 238 is an excellent score, don't let anybody tell you otherwise. All the extra work you'd be doing for Derm would still be there even if you had a 270. Derm is just like that.

Good luck and congrats on the score. I'm sure you're aware, but check out the charting outcomes in the match 2009. Better than anything you'll read from us.

 

[justaregularmed]

As for Derm, NRMP published statistics puts you at about 72% chance of matching for Derm, however within your score bracket there was a 64% match rate. I'm not sifting through SF match data for optho, the next most selective is Radiology. Published chances of matching for you are >90%, 87% within your score bracket. I would say anesthesia is a safe bet.

Those are the (now outdated) numbers, play them as you like.

 

[dozitgetchahi]

Hey all. I don't mean to stir the pot here, but I've been searching a bit around SDN for info like this and haven't found much yet.

Overview:

- DO student

- 237/99

- Interested in ROAD specialties/EM/random other stuff (neuro? cards? still largely undecided)

- Would like to go allo for residency

How does the OP's picture change in the case of a DO student? I've already essentially figured optho and derm were hopeless (didn't care about derm but would've liked some sort of shot at optho). I know gas and EM are fairly DO-friendly, but I get the sense that rads is much less so. I figure I'm still reasonably well-positioned for good IM programs (obviously not places like MGH/UCSF - they just don't take DOs).

Thoughts?

 

[ArcGurren]

Hey all. I don't mean to stir the pot here, but I've been searching a bit around SDN for info like this and haven't found much yet.

Overview:

- DO student

- 237/99

- Interested in ROAD specialties/EM/random other stuff (neuro? cards? still largely undecided)

- Would like to go allo for residency

How does the OP's picture change in the case of a DO student? I've already essentially figured optho and derm were hopeless (didn't care about derm but would've liked some sort of shot at optho). I know gas and EM are fairly DO-friendly, but I get the sense that rads is much less so. I figure I'm still reasonably well-positioned for good IM programs (obviously not places like MGH/UCSF - they just don't take DOs).

Thoughts?

I think getting into ophtho might be a little tougher as a DO student but gas, EM and rads shouldn't be AS big an issue... to my knowledge we have a couple DO rads residents. I can't recall how many though. Either way it is unfortunately a bit tougher, but your score is very good regardless.

 

[J ROD]

Hey all. I don't mean to stir the pot here, but I've been searching a bit around SDN for info like this and haven't found much yet.

Overview:

- DO student

- 237/99

- Interested in ROAD specialties/EM/random other stuff (neuro? cards? still largely undecided)

- Would like to go allo for residency

How does the OP's picture change in the case of a DO student? I've already essentially figured optho and derm were hopeless (didn't care about derm but would've liked some sort of shot at optho). I know gas and EM are fairly DO-friendly, but I get the sense that rads is much less so. I figure I'm still reasonably well-positioned for good IM programs (obviously not places like MGH/UCSF - they just don't take DOs).

Thoughts?

You should fine for EM, Gas, Neuro....Rads, close....Optho, Cardio....less

You also have DO residencies to try.......

 

[username456789]

You should fine for EM, Gas, Neuro....Rads, close....Optho, Cardio....less

You also have DO residencies to try.......

Cardiology is not a residency, it's a fellowship. His Step I score will not be a primary deciding factor on whether or not he gets a cardiology fellowship, and his score does not preclude him from snagging a very good IM residency to put him in position to apply to cardiology.